Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with Kerry Washington

Episode Information:

• Title: INTERVIEW: Kerry Washington Talks 'Shadow Force,' NAACP; Tyler Perry, Producing Vs. Acting, Unprisoned + More
• Release Date: May 1, 2025
• Hosts: Charlamagne Tha God, Jess Hilarious, Lauren LaRosa (filling in for DJ Envy)
• Guest: Kerry Washington

Introduction

In this episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts Charlamagne Tha God and Jess Hilarious are joined by the renowned actress and producer Kerry Washington. Filling in for DJ Envy, Lauren LaRosa co-hosts the show, setting the stage for an engaging and insightful conversation.

Notable Quote:

• Charlamagne Tha God [00:00]: "The Breakfast Club. Charlemagne. Tha. God, Jess. Hilarious. Envy is not here, but Lauren LaRosa is filling in. And we have the legend, the icon living. Kerry Washington here. How are you, Kerry?"

Morning Routine and Intentions

Kerry Washington opens up about her morning routine, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and awareness in her daily life. She reflects on feeling centered and thankful despite global challenges, highlighting the concept of "answered prayers" in her personal and professional life.

Notable Quotes:

• Kerry Washington [00:20]: "I feel good. I feel centered. I feel grateful. Yeah. I'm curious."
• Kerry Washington [00:35]: "I am living, I am walking in prayers answered."

Faith and Action

The discussion delves into the role of faith in Kerry's life, distinguishing between passive belief and active engagement. She stresses that faith involves listening for divine guidance and taking purposeful actions to fulfill one's calling.

Notable Quotes:

• Kerry Washington [01:22]: "Faith is not just about being inactive. It's about, like, really stepping into your purpose, your calling, your responsibility."
• Charlamagne Tha God [02:02]: "Action. Is that your word for this season since you're in shadow for action?"

'Shadow Force' and Acting in Action Films

Kerry discusses her latest project, the action film Shadow Force. She shares her passion for action roles, reminiscing about her early career experience in Mr. & Mrs. Smith alongside Angelina Jolie. Kerry elaborates on the intensive physical training required for Shadow Force, including weightlifting, Pilates, stunt, and weapons training.

Notable Quotes:

• Kerry Washington [02:47]: "This was intense. It was great... learning the choreography... stunt Training and weapons training."
• Kerry Washington [03:35]: "It's about love. It's about family. It's about the sacrifices you make for the people that you love the most."

Producing vs. Acting

Transitioning to her role as a producer, Kerry explains the empowerment that comes from creating her own opportunities. She highlights her production company, Simpson Street, and its mission to build a diverse and inclusive environment where multiple voices can be heard and nurtured.

Notable Quotes:

• Kerry Washington [18:35]: "If you don't have a seat at the table, build your own table."
• Kerry Washington [19:37]: "It's really about, like, how can I be of service, not just to find the projects that I want to do and tell the stories I want to tell for me, but also, like, I'm so proud of our show, reasonable Doubt..."

Production Success and NAACP Image Awards

Kerry celebrates the success of Shadow Force and her collaboration with Tyler Perry. She expresses pride in the film's impact and its acknowledgment at the NAACP Image Awards, emphasizing the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices of trailblazing women.

Notable Quotes:

• Kerry Washington [12:40]: "It was our goal... to find a great action film... this is it."
• Kerry Washington [17:42]: "Tyler's been such a support for me throughout my career... he provided safe space, spaces for me."

Social Media and Public Image

The conversation touches on Kerry's relationship with social media, particularly her departure from X (formerly Twitter). She discusses the evolving nature of online platforms and her decision to disengage from environments that no longer feel safe or constructive.

Notable Quotes:

• Kerry Washington [23:38]: "I don't want to live there... It's not as safe a place as it used to be."
• Kerry Washington [24:19]: "We want to make sure this is a brave space... it's not about safety. It's about truth."

Grounding and Wellness

Kerry shares her strategies for maintaining mental and physical well-being amidst a high-pressure industry and a tumultuous world. She highlights the importance of therapy, wellness practices, proper hydration, sleep, and staying connected with loved ones.

Notable Quotes:

• Kerry Washington [26:56]: "Therapy is a big part of it. Definitely. Therapy is a big part of it."
• Kerry Washington [27:06]: "Staying connected to the people who I feel like really love me for who I am..."

Future Projects and Closing

Looking ahead, Kerry expresses her excitement for upcoming projects, including a new series for Apple titled Imperfect Women and continued work on films that celebrate black family, love, and community. She underscores the importance of creating and telling meaningful stories as a path to healing and progress.

Notable Quotes:

• Kerry Washington [25:12]: "I'm really proud of Shadow Force... I'm excited about Sinners... I'm excited to be in community with people telling stories about the power of black family and black love and black parenting and black kids..."
• Kerry Washington [29:16]: "Shadow Force... May 9. Mother's Day weekend for all the badass moms."

Conclusion

Kerry Washington's interview on The Breakfast Club offers a deep dive into her multifaceted career, her dedication to meaningful storytelling, and her commitment to personal growth and community. From discussing the intricacies of acting in action films to her empowering role as a producer, Kerry provides valuable insights into navigating the entertainment industry with purpose and passion.

Notable Quote:

• Charlamagne Tha God [29:25]: "Shadow Force. Carrie, thank you for joining us."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Kerry Washington’s interview on The Breakfast Club, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and those who missed the episode.